Chapter 93

(Flashback)

In the Dragon Village, Ash has just clinched victory in his seventh gym battle against Drayton, earning the prestigious Legend Badge. By his side, Alice beams with pride, her cheers echoing in the arena. Their triumphant moment, however, is interrupted when Drayden's voice breaks through the celebratory atmosphere.

"Red, Alice," Drayden addresses them, his tone carrying a weight of solemnity, "would you do us the honor of accompanying me to the Elder's Place? There's a matter of great importance we need to discuss with you both."

Curiosity piqued, Ash and Alice exchange a glance before nodding in agreement, following Drayden's lead. As they enter the revered Elder's chamber and take their seats, anticipation hums in the air. Ash, ever the curious soul, is the first to speak.

"May we inquire about the purpose of this meeting, Elder, Drayden?" he asks, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and respect.

With a nod from Drayden, the Elder begins, "We have long been aware of your innocence, Ash Ketchum."

The revelation lands like a bolt from the blue, leaving Ash and Alice momentarily stunned. Recovering quickly, Ash gathers his thoughts and poses the question that's been lingering in his mind.

"You've known all along?" Ash queries, his eyes widening in surprise.

The Elder nods solemnly, his gaze unwavering. "We have a unique ability to judge people, thanks to our connection with the dragons. And we sensed it, you were framed by Iris and the others, is it right?"

Ash clenches his fists, his determination shining through. "You're right. My mother bore and raised me; she always supported my dreams. It was absurd that people would believe I murdered her! I'm challenging the Leagues again just so I can fulfill my dream and find a way to prove my innocence."

Drayden adds, "Seeing both of you reminds me of Red and Valerie. You two are so much like them..."

Curious, Alice inquires, "You knew our parents?"

"Or rather, their disguises," the Elder replies, "they were known as Shin and Pauline. They were the most formidable Dragon Duo, renowned as the Dragon Prince and the Dragon Princess. They possessed the extraordinary ability to tame the fiercest dragons in the world."

Ash remarks, "I believe I've read about the lore... The Dragon Prince and the Dragon Princess... They were said to be born from the Dragon Clans in the Unova Region, and they wielded the mightiest dragons in the world."

Elder interjects, "It's not a requirement to be born from the Dragon Clans, as Red and Valerie demonstrated."

Draydon mentions, "However, both of them decide to retire, considering they have other works to do."

Ash and Alice can perceive the sorrow in the eyes of the adults. The Elder then speaks, "This is why we have a request for you."

Leading them into a room, Ash and Alice are surprised to find a sword and a wand. Alice questions, "Is this...?"

"Yes," Drayden confirms, showing them a picture. "These are the weapons chosen by the dragons. As Shin and Pauline, Red and Valerie used these to quell dragon rampages and save many towns with the power of Dragon Harmony."

The Elder encourages, "Go ahead, see if you can forge a connection with them."

As Ash and Alice touch the weapons, they emit a blue and pink glow, forming a unique bond. Ash remarks, "This is incredible..."

Drayden smiles warmly, "It appears that you two may indeed become the new Shin and Pauline."

Elder adds, "The weapons are now yours, and we hope you'll assist us in the future with the roles of Dragon Prince and Dragon Princess."

Ash and Alice nod in agreement, saying, "We will."

After a period of training at Sevestar Island with their companions as Shin and Pauline, both Ash and Alice receive a call from Drayden, summoning them to deliver a speech at the prestigious Opelucid Academy, one of the top schools in the Unova Region. They're certain that the speech will be centered around the accomplishments of the first generation of Shin and Pauline, their predecessors. Alice attempts to seek guidance from her mother, but Valerie is confident that Alice, alongside Ash, can deliver the most impactful speech.

Upon arriving at the Academy, they are warmly greeted by Drayden and the Dragon Elder. The two of them escort Ash and Alice to their respective guest rooms, allowing them time to prepare for the speech, which is scheduled for an hour from then. They anticipate that the speech will revolve around their training of Dragon-type Pokémon and the heroic feats they've accomplished in the past. Despite not being the original Dragon Duo, they feel a profound connection to the deeds of their predecessors, thanks to the powerful weapons they carry with them.

After delivering their speech, Ash and Alice take the opportunity to explore the campus of Opelucid Academy. They receive a warm welcome from the students, who are well aware of the heroic deeds performed by Red and Valerie in the past. Ash and Alice can only nod and exchange smiles while keeping the true nature of their relationship with the previous Dragon Duo a secret.

However, their pleasant exploration is interrupted by the sounds of laughter and unkind words coming from a nearby crowd. Intrigued and concerned, Ash inquires, "What's happening over there?"

A student explains, "Oh, those students from that class are bullying two others again..."

Alice's expression darkens as she hears those words, and memories of her own painful past resurface. Ash senses her discomfort and asks, "Pauline, are you okay?"

Gathering herself, Alice replies, "I'm fine..." She takes a deep breath and then turns to the students, asking, "What did those two students do to deserve this bullying?"

"They had the audacity to express their desire to become your students, which is seen as ridiculous because you two are considered heroes," the female student explains.

Ash draws a parallel between this situation and Alice's own experiences in the past. He says to her, "It's similar to what you went through back then..."

Alice trembles but asserts, "I can't let them suffer the same fate I did... I'm going to help them, no matter what."

Ash nods in agreement, saying, "I'm with you. Let's teach those bullies a lesson."

As Ash and Alice approach the crowd, Ash raises his voice, demanding, "What's happening here?"

The classmates fall silent, their mockery coming to a halt when they realize that Shin and Pauline are standing before them. Ash notices the two students on the ground, cowering in fear, and questions the crowd, "Why are you treating these two this way? What have they done to deserve this?"

The students, too anxious to respond, remain silent. They fear the consequences of speaking the truth, as the Dragon Duo might take action against them. Alice seizes the opportunity to walk closer to the two students and asks with genuine concern, "Are both of you alright?"

Surprised to see Pauline approaching them, the boy replies, "I'm okay... thank you for asking, Dragon Princess."

Alice offers a reassuring smile and continues, "Could you tell us your names?"

Both students are taken aback, as it's rare for the Dragon Duo to inquire about their identities. The girl responds, "I'm Lucine... and this is my brother, Drandon..." Ash and Alice can sense the nervousness radiating from them, while the crowd attempts to stifle their laughter.

Ash follows up with another question, "We've heard from other students that you wanted to become our students. Is that why you find yourselves in this situation?"

Both siblings nod solemnly, their faces reflecting the hurtful comments from the crowd around them. Alice's anger flares, and she firmly states, "Enough is enough! I won't tolerate any more hurtful words from any of you! Our duty is to protect people from malevolent dragons, but that doesn't give you the right to behave like them!"

The crowd falls silent, intimidated by the Dragon Princess's stern words. While they might not fully understand her reference to "bad dragons," they recognize that they won't prevail in a confrontation with the Dragon Princess.

Ash shifts his attention to Drandon and Lucine, offering a condition for their potential apprenticeship. Drandon responds eagerly, "Just tell us! We've been waiting for this opportunity since we were young. We truly wish to have you as our mentors and aspire to become the most formidable Dragon Tamers!"

Amidst the tense atmosphere and unnerving silence, Alice's glare still lingers on the crowd. Eventually, she speaks again, saying, "Very well. Your hearts are as courageous as that of fearless dragons, and I sense something special within both of you. Join us at the gym, and we will reveal the mission that awaits."

Both Drandon and Lucine nod in agreement, and the entire group makes their way to the gym, including Drayden and the Elder, who have arrived to witness the commotion. As the gym's field becomes the center of attention, Ash summons Kyurem, while Alice calls forth a shiny Rayquaza, leaving the onlookers astonished.

"Are those Legendary Pokémon?" whispers ripple through the crowd. "No way... They are the most powerful dragons under the care of the Dragon Duo!"

Even Drayden and the Elder are taken aback by the sight before them. However, what surprises them most is when Ash guides Drandon and Lucine to the center of the field, with the imposing Kyurem and magnificent Rayquaza approaching them.

Ash begins to explain, "Becoming like us means learning how to tame formidable dragons, and these two are among the most formidable dragons in the entire world. If you can demonstrate that you're capable of taming them, we'll consider accepting you as our students."

Initially shocked by the challenge, Lucine quickly regains her resolve and states firmly, "We've come this far; we can't let fear hold us back."

Drandon echoes her determination, adding, "Indeed. These trials are nothing compared to the hardships we've faced."

As Drandon and Lucine approach the two mighty Pokémon, Kyurem and Rayquaza respond with a powerful roar that instills fear in some of the onlookers. However, the two students press onward, seemingly undeterred by the display of power. The dragons unleash their attacks: Dragon Pulse and Hyper Beam, causing astonishment among the spectators. Drandon and Lucine maintain their course, knowing the attacks won't harm them, and reach the dragons. They gently place their hands on the dragons' heads and begin to pet them.

Ash and Alice observe the scene with smiles on their faces as they approach Drandon and Lucine. Ash comments, "You've passed the test. You've demonstrated bravery and strength, but there's still much for you to learn."

Alice turns to Principal Drayden and requests, "Principal Drayden, may we have the privilege of mentoring these two? Their dedication has led them to this moment."

The assembled crowd gasps in disbelief at the success of the two students. Drayden nods in agreement and says, "Very well, you may take them under your tutelage. I'm certain they'll be eager to join you."

Ash smiles warmly as the two students express their joy. "We did it, Lucine. We're officially their students."

Lucine shares his brother's enthusiasm, saying with a grin, "Indeed. Our dream has finally come true."

Once the class concludes, Ash and Alice escort Drandon and Lucine to an empty classroom. Ash inquires, "Drandon, Lucine, I'd like to ask if you have any family or guardians. If we're embarking on this training journey, it's important to ensure your loved ones are aware."

Lucine's expression darkens as she replies, "We don't have any family left. They abandoned us when we were just children. Our mother had a tumultuous past, and we were the unwanted consequence of her choices."

Drandon adds, "Our origins aren't in Unova; we hail from Johto, specifically Blackthorn City. Due to our mother's actions, which included indiscretions and scandalous affairs, we were labeled as the 'Cursed Children.' We faced scorn and rejection wherever we went, without anyone extending a helping hand."

Ash nods, understanding the weight of their past. "I see...the darkness I sensed within your hearts makes more sense now," he says, his expression mirroring the gravity of their situation.

"We drew inspiration from the Legend of the Dragon Duo, which led us to the Unova Region," Lucine shares. "The journey here was arduous; Drandon competed in numerous tournaments to gather the funds we needed."

"Drayden discovered our story, which ultimately brought us to this school. However, as you're aware, we faced harsh judgments from others. Homeless and seeking to become your students, we endured relentless bullying," Lucine recalls with a troubled expression.

"I understand," Ash acknowledges, empathizing with their struggles and the darkness he sensed within them. "Let me ask you something else. Have you ever contemplated seeking vengeance against those who mistreated you?"

Drandon firmly shakes his head. "No, seeking revenge would only lower us to their level."

Ash and Alice exchange glances, a shared understanding passing between them. Ash then smiles and says, "Well done, Drandon and Lucine. I believe it's time we disclose our true identities to you."

Confusion washes over Drandon and Lucine as Ash and Alice emit a faint glow. Their shock intensifies when they finally recognize the two figures before them.

"Ash Ketchum... and Alice Urup," Drandon stammers, his voice filled with astonishment. "Both of you are the Dragon Prince Shin and Dragon Princess Pauline?"

"But I thought..." Lucine mumbles, her disbelief evident.

With a shared glance, Ash and Alice unveil the truth: "The original Dragon Prince Shin and Dragon Princess Pauline are our parents, and we are following in their footsteps," Ash explains.

"But the news said that you are a criminal... that was not true, right?" Lucine asks, her voice tinged with concern.

"Of course, that's not true," Alice reassures her, sensing the need to clarify their situation. They proceed to recount their journey from the beginning, revealing the injustices and false accusations they faced along the way. Just like the others, Drandon and Lucine are furious at the ordeal Ash had to endure.

"We've encountered many individuals who've faced challenges similar to your own," Ash adds, his tone resonating with empathy. "Which is why we want to extend our assistance. Join us, and together we can help you become formidable Dragon-type specialists. By becoming strong, you can prove those who doubted you wrong."

Drandon and Lucine's faces light up with delight and determination. This opportunity to train under the legendary Dragon Prince and Princess surpasses their wildest dreams. With the aid of Latias and Latios, they eagerly embark on their journey to Sevestar Island, ready to embrace their destiny as Dragon-type specialists.

Here is a new chapter, and this is Drandon and Lucine's past. However, there will be one more flashback before we go back to the story. I hope you like this chapter.